The San Francisco Public Library
Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, March 16, 2006 in the Koret
Auditorium, Main Library.

The meeting was called to order by Vice President
Coulter s at 4:03 pm.

Commissioners present: Bautista, Coulter,
Gomez, and Strobin.

President Higueras, and
Commissioners Chin and Kane’s arrival was expected.

A
quorum was present.

Commissioner
Chin joined the meeting at 4:10pm

AGENDA
ITEM #1 PUBLIC COMMENT

An anonymous
member of the public commented on: opposition to the Friends of the Library,
divergent views concerning the destruction of the Brazilian rainforests; our
negative role in the world environment; the issue of private money subverting
public policy; the privatization of the of the ‘commons”; and the relationship
of this to the privatization of the Library.

Peter
Warfield commented on: his concerns with the increasing amounts of Library
materials only available on an online basis; and what he viewed as problematic associated
user issues.

Mr. Kimo
Crossman commented on: the observance of National Sunshine Week, his views
concerning open government and meeting laws; and his concerns with the
Library’s response to public records requests he had submitted.

Ms. Deirdre Hockett, Friends of the
Library Board, called attention to upcoming 10th

Anniversary Library Laureates
Dinner, and discussed the Friends participation in the upcoming California
Library Association Lobby Day in Sacramento on April 26th and the
Friends active support for the voters’ enactment of Prop. 81, a new State
Library Bond proposal.

Brock Estes,
a School Bus Driver’s Union member and 4th generation San
Franciscan,

commented on:
what he viewed as a “colonial” process in responding to demands concerning the
Bernal Heights Preschool; his views concerning the conduct of a community meeting
held to discuss the renovation of the Bernal Heights Branch Library; and what
he perceived as discourtesy to those opposing the Library’s plans.

Mr. David
Pilpel, Sunshine Task Force Education and Outreach Committee Chair, commented
on: the Library’s ongoing response to members of the public; that in such a
decision making process the critical public interest should always be kept in
mind; and that the Commission should not hesitate to act to maintain order at
its meetings when threatened by a disruptive member of the public.

Ms. Molly
Martin, a 25 year Bernal Heights resident and neighborhood preservationist,
commented on: the importance of preservation of the Bernal Heights Branch
Library’s historical finishing and furnishings; and on the importance to the community
of the Library’s Community Meeting Room.

Ms. Katie
Gough commented on: her emphatic disagreement about the Bernal Heights community meeting with a previous public speaker’s negative comments; and suggested
that opponents of the Library’s renovation plan made false accusations, and had
a subjective agenda.

Ms. Lurilla
Harris, a 31 year Bernal Heights resident; commented on the demonstration held
in conjunction with the Bernal Heights Brach Library renovation project
community meeting.

Vice President Coulter announced that Approval of the
Minutes would be taken up later in the meeting’s agenda after the Bernal Heights Branch Library item in deference to the large numbers of members of the
public in attendance to offer comments on that item.

AGENDA
ITEM #3 BERNAL HEIGHTS BRANCH LIBRARY

Branch
Library Improvement Program Manager Marilyn Thompson presented a background and
overview of the development of plans for the renovation of the Bernal Heights
Branch Library, (copy of presentation slides attached). Ms. Thompson discussed
in some detail the situation regarding the City College Preschool and its
relocation to a larger space at the nearby Paul Revere Elementary School. Ms. Thompson
outlined the goals of the renovation project and described how those goals
might be met within the project’s budget.

City Librarian Luis Herrera then outlined the Library’s services plan for the renovated branch
library including creation of a dedicated “teen space”; an increase in computer
access, and enlarged children’s area, as well as his recommendation that a
reconfigured Community Room be retained. The City Librarian then discussed the
Library’s efforts in cooperation with the Department of Children, Youth, and
their Families, and City College of San Francisco to facilitate the Bernal
Preschool’s transition to its new location.

Ms. Thompson
then outlined various scenarios including the location of space potentially
available for co-location of the Preschool in a new separate facility.

The City Librarian concluded the report with his recommendation that the Commissioners approve the
proposed scope, budget, and schedule for as planned for the renovation of the
Bernal Heights Branch Library. Mr. Herrera also recommended the Commission’s
consideration of the possibility for collocation of the Preschool under
acceptable guidelines.

Public
comment on AGENDA ITEM #3 BERNAL HEIGHTS BRANCH LIBRARY

An anonymous
member of the public commented on: that this renovation project had been a
disaster from its beginnings; suggested that the Preschool had been excluded from
the process; on divisions in the community resulting from this dispute; and about
the importance of respect and democracy.

Mr. Peter
Wiley, author, A parent, founder of a community daycare center, and a 38 year Bernal
Heights resident commented on: reconciling the community concerns through an
expanded Preschool located at the Revere School; found the possible co-location
worthy of consideration; and urged the Commission to actively engage City
College so that they took responsibility for taking care of their preschool
program.

Commissioner Kane joined the meeting at 4:47PM.

Mr. Carey
Milne, Bernal Heights resident commented: in support of the planned renovation
of the branch library; in opposition to any action leading to reduction of the
library’s programs; and encouraged active efforts to preserve the historical appearance,
decorative features, and especially the furnishing of the Bernal heights Branch
Library.

Ms. Lurilla
Harris, community activist, commented on: the need for, value of, and
importance of including solar power installations on the renovated branch;
questioned the size of the proposed ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
access ramp; and found that the Library was not an appropriate location for the
City College Preschool program.

Mr. Brock Estes,
School Bus Driver’s Union member, commented: that opponents of the Library were
not liars, that the City Librarian had not treated the Preschool proponents
well at the community meeting; about a previous Revere School Principal and that
the Paul Revere School was a failing school that was at high risk to be closed,
and thus was not a good option for the Preschool.

Mr. Mauricio
Vela; “Save the Preschool-Stop the Eviction”, commented on: the difficult and
healthy process surrounding the planning for renovation of the Branch Library
and the future of the City College Preschool Program; that proponents of the
Preschool also supported the Branch Library; that there were serious concerns
with the use of the Paul Revere School as the alternative home for the
Preschool, that Preschool proponents appreciated the opportunity to consider
future co-location at the Branch Library; and that the community would continue
to actively engaged the Mayor’s Office and Supervisor Ammiano to find the best
solution for the neighborhood.

Ms. Miriam
Muller, a Bernal Heights neighbor, urged the Commission start this project and not
to delay until the Preschool Program was ready, but to move forward with the
renovation of the Bernal Heights Branch Library as planned.

President Higueras joined the meeting at 4:55pm and
assumed the Chair.

about
the future of the Preschool Program at its alternative location; and asked
about the

timeline
for this process.

Ms. Laverne
Fisher, a 25 year Bernal Heights resident, commented on: the long wait the
neighborhood had experienced for the renovation of its Branch Library; urged
the Commissioners to act to go forward with the renovation as planned; and
suggested that the opponents of Library’s planned renovation had political
motives.

Ms. Ellen
Egbert, a Bernal Heights civic activist, commented on: her appreciation of the
Library’s efforts to renovate the Bernal Heights Branch Library; and noted that
the Preschool Program served a very limited number of children for very limited
numbers of hours each week in contrast to the great many neighborhood children
who used the Branch Library during all of its open hours.

Ms. Vicky
Walker, a five year Bernal Heights resident; commented on: the unbalanced
coverage of this issue in the Bernal Journal; on what she found to be
its censorship of the proponents of the Branch Library’s renovation; that the leadership
of the Neighborhood Community Center had become partisans in this disagreement;
that threats had been made against proponents of the Branch Library’s
renovation; and that City College not the Library, should pay any costs related
to its’ Preschool Program.

Mr. David
Turner, a Bernal Heights resident, submitted a letter in support of the
renovation of the Branch Library.

Ms. Rosanne
Liggett, Bernal Heights resident, commented on: her strong support for the
renovation of the Branch Library; that City College had been remiss in its duty
to its Preschool Program; that there was no rationale for opposing the
Preschool’s relocation as neighboring Paul Revere School was an excellent
location for the Preschool Program; that she did not believe that the Paul
Revere School would be closed; and in general expressed frustration at the
negative tone expressed by the Preschool’s partisans.

Mr. Kimo
Crossman commented on: Sunshine issues related to this matter; said that he
would request all related public records and asked that they be provided in an
electronic format; and supported use of solar panels.

Ms. Molly
Martin, Preservation Bernal Heights Group, commented on: the importance of
providing equal emphasis on both the adult and child users of the Branch
Library; and urged on behalf of the Preservation Group that every effort be
made to preserve the historic character and furnishings of the Bernal Heights
Branch Library;

A Bernal
Heights Resident noted that the Board of Supervisors had neither allowed nor
taken any public comment when adopting their resolution on this issue; and that
a relative few children used the Preschool Program in contrast to the great
need for library services for the many children n the neighborhood.

Mr. Davis
Hooper, an Excelsior District resident married to the Librarian of the Bernal
Heights Branch Library, commented: that after its renovation the Excelsior
Branch Library was thriving and that the same was certain to be the case at
Bernal Heights; that the Branch Libraries were magnets for neighborhood users;
and that this question was a matter of balancing the diverse needs of the
neighborhood; and suggested that both sides now needed to work together to
heal divisions and build consensus.

Mr. Frank
Martinez Campos, a member of the San Francisco Labor Council; commented on: the
Labor Council’s support for the Board of Supervisors resolution on this issue;
urged that the Preschool be returned to the Branch Library after its
renovation; and that this was a watershed issue that should be addressed in
response to the demands of the community.

Ms. Amy
Trachtenberg, a longtime Bernal Heights resident, commented on: mistakes in
addressing the Preschool’s returning to the Branch Library; urged that the
renovation get underway as soon as possible; and urged that the building’s
historic character and use as a branch library be retained.

Commission
discussion of AGENDA ITEM #3 BERNAL HEIGHTS BRANCH LIBRARY

Commissioner
Bautista regretted the division in the neighborhood on this issue. Commissioner
Bautista point out that the Commission had a duty to renovate the Branch Library,
and that the College District, not the Library was responsible for its
Preschool Program. Commissioner Bautista observed that it was critically
important that the renovated branch have the best possible program of library services
to meet the needs of both the adult and child users in its neighborhood.
Commissioner Bautista recalled that as a teacher she understated the issues
involved and knew that the library was critical resource for the community

Vice
President Coulter inquired about use of solar panels on the renovated branch
facility, and lauded that planned preservation of the historic character and
features of the existing branch building.

Vice
President Coulter recalled the extensive number of public meeting that had been
held to discuss these issues, criticized City College for its lack of
leadership when the controversy began, noted that the renovated branch Library
would serve far greater numbers of children, found the Paul Revere School ad
good and reasonable alternative location for the Preschool Program, and noted
in the final analysis the Preschool’s students would also benefit as future
users of their neighborhood library. The Commission Vice President supported
the planned renovation of the Branch Library as proposed and expressed doubt as
to the viability of the suggested potential for a future co-location.

Commissioner
Gomez congratulated both sides in what she described as a lively community
process noting both supported worthy goals. Commissioner Gomez expressed
appreciation to the City Librarian for his efforts to seek a solution and noted
that there was time for the Preschool to consider various options for its
future. Commissioner Gomez urged that the community use the focus and energy generated
by this issue to find a solution and urged that they keep trying.

Commissioner
Kane noted that both he and his infant daughter had attended the lively
community meeting; lauded the City Librarian’s efforts to make meaningful outreach
to the community; and recommended that the renovation project go forward as
quickly as possible.

Commissioner
Chin noting that she was both a teacher and a longtime union member pointed out
that the Commission’s duty was to seek a solution that was in the best interest
of all of the children in the neighborhood. Commissioner Chin stated that the Revere School was the best location for the Preschool, that it offered space for the
children that would never be possible at the Branch Library. Commissioner Chin recalled
her familiarity with the work of the former principal of the Paul Revere School
Randy Hayes, and noted that the new dynamic Principle at the Paul Revere School was committed to providing the highest quality education and that having the
Preschool at the school site enhancing the learning environment of its
students.

Commissioner
Strobin noted that the discussion might be illuminated by the comments offer by
the Peer Panelists in the upcoming Peer Review of the proposed renovation plans
for the Bernal Heights Branch Library.

President
Higueras noted that the Library had made every possible effort to find a just
and fair solution to this matter. The Commission President noted that it was
the Commission’s duty to provide the best possible renovation for this branch
and that the right thing to do was to focus on the Library. Mr. Higueras noted that
the Revere School was a good location that offered more room and better
facilities for the Preschool. The Library Commissioner President observed that
the Commission was precluded by law from expending library resources for the
Preschool Program and called attention to the lack of funding for this program
in City College’s proposed budget. President Higueras suggested that there was
sufficient time to consider the future potential for co-location of the
Preschool at the Branch Library site and that proper and due consideration
would be given should that option find the necessary funding to make it
possible.

There
followed an extensive discussion of various ways the motions on this question
might be worded.

MOTION:
by Vice President Coulter, 2nd by Commissioner Strobin for approval
of the proposed scope, budget and schedule for the renovation of the Bernal
Heights Branch Library as recommended.

MOTION:
by Commissioner Gomez, 2nd by Commissioner Kane to cooperate with
and explore City College’s consideration of collocation of the preschool, as
long as the building or operation of the preschool does not impact library
services, funds, and schedule, or the existing library.

Branch
Library Improvement Program Manager Marilyn Thompson provided an overview of
the issues involved with this renovation project and then introduced Bureau of
Architecture Architect Andrew Maloney to present his proposed designs for the
renovation.

The
Commission repaired to the audience and the Peer Panelists took the stage for
their review and response to Mr. Maloney’s proposed renovation plans for the
Bernal Heights Branch Library

Mr. Maloney
presented a detailed overview of the planned renovation of both floors as well
as his proposed exterior modifications to the historic Bernal Height Branch
Library.

Ms. Thompson
then introduced the Peer Panel members: Ms. Sandra Vivanco, Mr. Lawson Willard,
and noted that Mr. Byron Shiles, unable to attend due to a family emergency,
had submitted his written notes that would be reported.

Ms. Vivanco,
a former neighbor and familiar user of the Bernal Heights Branch Library, began
her critique of the proposed renovation plans by discussing essential steps she
believed to be necessary to preserve and enhance the fine historic character
and finishes of the Branch facility. Ms. Vivanco the discussed a strengthening
of the design for the entry area urged the architect to maximize use of space,
such as by combining proposed bathroom facilities, to add to available program
space. Ms Vivanco then urged a way be found to squeeze more space from the
services areas to add to program space as well. Ms. Vivanco concluided with a
discussion of the 1960’s mural on the building’s exterior. Ms. Vivanco then
left the meeting due to a previous commitment.

Mr. Willard
then expressed strong support for the architect’s proposal to maximize the potential
of the original 1936 design of the building. Mr. Willard lauded the proposed
restoration and enhancement of the spaces in the building to maximize usable
public areas. Mr. Willard called attention to the enhanced lighting from the
North window and recommended removal of the security barriers to add more. Mr.
Willard found the ADA ramp a well executed design.

As presented
by Mr. Underwood, Mr. Shiles notes offered his comments finding the renovation
was well laid out and the stair elevations well considered. Mr. Shiles
recommended consolidation of proposed rest room facilities to provide even more
public space and also recommended relocation of the book shelving proposed at
the entry area finding the placement awkward. Mr. Shiles also suggested shifting
the placement of the staff work area on the second floor to create even more
public use space suggesting that a wood and glass screen could sympathetically
mask back of house activities while admitting additional light. Mr. Shiles written
comments approved of the propose alignment new windows with the reading Room
windows.

The remaining
Peer Panelist, Mr. Willard retired from the podium and the Commissioners resumed
their usual seats.

Commissioner Chin left the meeting during the Peer
Panel Presentation.

An anonymous
member of the public commented on: a lack of availability of explanatory
documents in advance of the meeting; noted that there has also been a preschool
at the Park Branch Library; noted nothing had been said regarding security
issues; found that the proposed staff desk was not located near the entry, and
queried whether any lessons had been learned regarding replacing exterior
murals.

Mr. David Hooper
commented: that the exterior mural was worn and dated; and that a good location
for an appropriate child-oriented replacement might be the building’s south
elevation overlooking the adjoining playground.

Mr. Peter
Warfield commented on: the lack of explanatory documents, including before and
after views; applauded the effort to preserve original elements and increase in
public spaces; questioned if this were a “green building; commented on the location
of staffing desks,; and spoke favorably of the separation of the circulation
and reference desks as proposed.

Ms. Ellen
Egbert commented on: the importance of maintaining staff sight lines in the
lower level; expressed concern that the adjacency of the Children’s area and
the outdoor playground could lead to spill-over of inappropriate activity and
noise; and suggested lower level access be limited to the Moultrie entry as
there were restrictions on access to Recreation and Park Department Property.

Ms Lurilla
Harris commented that there had been no discussion about use of solar panels.

Mr. Brock
Estes commented on: what exact area was being proposed for the co-location;
expressed disappointment with the Commissioner’s vote suggesting that the
Commission should have responded to the public comment in support of the
Preschool; and noted that the Bernal Preschool Program had been cited as a
model internationally.

Ms. Vicky
Walker, Bernal Preservation, commented: asked that neighborhood preservationists
have access to the project during renovation to monitor ongoing work;
recommended use of solar panels; and suggested use of “native plants” in the
renovation of the Branch’s exterior landscape.

Ms. Rosanne
Liggett, commented on: use of the corner plaza stairway as the main access to
the Children’s area rather than from the playground; that the mural was both
worn out and inappropriate; that the renovation should seek to restore the
building’s original appearance; that she had security concerns with the designs
for the lower level areas; and that in general she was pleased with the
proposed design.

Commissioner
Gomez expressed admiration for the sensitivity to the historic design of the
proposed renovation. Commissioner Gomez agreed with the public comment
recommending use of the corner plaza stairway as a better point of entry for
the Children’s area. In response to Commissioner Gomez’ questions, she was
informed concerning how lower level security issues were proposed to be
addressed. Commissioner Gomez also agreed that the mural was old and faded and
suggested discussions

In response
to a question by commission Strobin, the size and length of the proposed ADA access ramp was explained as necessary to meet code requirements.

In response
to queries by Commissioners Gomez and Kane concerning use of solar panels, Ms.
Thompson informed the Commissioners that a Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
staff survey of branch library renovation projects had determined that the
Bernal Heights Branch Library was not an appropriate candidate for use of solar
panels.

Commissioner Gomez left the meeting at 6:55pm.

Vice
President Coulter was impressed with the architect’s design and asked
concerning what could be done with the mural. The City Librarian responded
that questions concerning who had authority over and any decision about the
fate of the mural had not yet been determined.

President
Higueras inquired concerning the addition of pilasters in the lower level that
had not originally existed, suggesting that perhaps too many were being proposed
for the spaces in question. In response to President Higueras questions about
how the teen area would be differentiated Mt. Maloney discussed how the
proposed design could set off that area from the main adult reading room. Ms.
Toni Bernardi, Chief of Children and Youth Services and the Library’s Teen
Advisory Council were to be involved in considering “teen friendly” finishes
and furnishing for this area. In response to President Higueras’ questions
about the proposed floor finishes Mr. Maloney reported that they would be
blended to remain harmonious. . President Higueras also agreed that the
proposed book shelves at the entry area might be reconsidered and noted that
new opening should correlate with the existing ones.

AGENDA
ITEM #5 BLIP MANAGER’S REPORT

Marilyn
Thompson, Branch Library Improvement Program Manager noted that no
informational or special reports would be presented at this meeting.

Ms. Thompson then
presented her usual monthly reports on: the BLIP Schedule; the current Budget;
and new and renovation projects Construction Reports, (copies attached).

The Branch
Library Improvement Program Manager then informed the Library Commissioners
about the ongoing active projects: new construction; renovations; report on construction
work currently underway, and concluding her presentation with a report on recent
and upcoming BLIP community outreach activities, (copy attached).

Commissioner Bautista left the meeting during Ms. Thompson’s
report.

Public
comment on AGENDA ITEM #5 BLIP MANAGER’S REPORT

An anonymous
member of the public commented: that text provided was difficult to read;
inquired about the construction start dates reported and the proposed opening
days; spoke about “permit problems” at the Noe Valley Branch Library renovation
project; asked about the status of the Eureka Valley Branch Library renovation
project; and inquired if the Commission proposed to set policy to address issues
related to proposed co-location of branch libraries with other entities.

Commission
discussion of AGENDA ITEM #5 BLIP MANAGER’S REPORT

President
Higueras thanked Ms. Thompson for her report.

AGENDA
ITEM #2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 16, 2006

Public
comment on AGENDA ITEM #2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19, 2006

An anonymous
member of the public found the minutes not worse, that an effort had been made
to address some concerns, and “as approved” Minutes had been corrected as
requested. This person called attention to a Friend’s Board member’s name being
mis-spelled, and suggested that the point of his Minutes comment was to demonstrate
that the Library administration failed to recognize the virtue of an open
society.

Mr. Peter
Warfield raised two points concerning his comments firstly about exactly what
his concerns had been with what he felt were an ongoing breech of user privacy by
display of user’s names in the Library’s use of self-pick up of reserves and
other places where materials are held, and secondly that he had not said a
figure of $1.9 million for additional hours in his comments concerning the
Library Budget rather that he had requested additional funding for more public
services hours.

Commission
discussion of AGENDA ITEM #2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 16, 2006

Commissioner
Kane noted several missing periods and suggested removal of the figure cited by
Mr. Warfield. Vice President Coulter called attention to a Page 5 error.

MOTION:
by Vice President Coulter, 2nd by Commissioner Kane for approval of
the Minutes of the regular Public Library Commission meeting of February 16,
2006 as amended.

ACTION:
4-0 AYE (Coulter, Higueras, Kane, and Strobin)

AGENDA
ITEM #6 ADJOURNMENT

MOTION:
by Vice President Coulter, 2nd by Commissioner Kane to adjourn the
regular March 16 , 2006 Public Library Commission meeting In Memoriam of the
former Library Commissioner Walter Jebe.

Public
comment on AGENDA ITEM #6 ADJOURNMENT

An anonymous
member of the public called attention to the passing of former Library
Commissioner Walter Jebe and discussed his decades of service to San Francisco.

ACTION:
AYE 4-0 (Coulter, Higueras, Kane, and Strobin)

The Commission meeting adjourned at
7:51pm.

Michael
Housh, Commission Secretary 4/21/06

Please
note: copies of Commission Minutes and handouts are available in the Office of
the Commission Secretary, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Explanatory
documents: Copies of listed explanatory documents are available as follows: (1)
from the Commission Secretary/Custodian of Records, Main Library, 6th Floor,
(2) in the rear of the Koret Auditorium immediately before and during the
meeting, and (3)to the extent possible, on the Library's website at http://sfpl.org/.Additional materials not listed as
explanatory documents on this agenda, if any, that are distributed to the
Library Commissioners prior to or during the meeting in connection with any
agenda item will be available to the public for inspection and copying in
accordance with Government Code Section 54954.1 and Sunshine Ordinance §§ 67.9,
67.28(b)& 67.28(d).